[8] September 7, 2012 [ SCHOOLS from page 1] change. system, and also to provide sharper and clearer data about student performance. While there was some uproar at the beginning of the school year, eventually the dust settled. Students and parents alike learned the ins and outs of the new system. District Assessment Director Dave Davis said that major test scores like the state tests are expected to drop during years that experience such a large
Regardless, Davis said Federal Way students acquitted themselves well even with the drastic shift. “Federal Way students have more than held their own,” he said. According to the district, 4th-, 5th- and 7th-grade reading scores were up across the district, while 5th-, 7th- and 8th-grade math scores also showed an upward trend. Seventh-grade students showed strong gains as well, jumping nearly 11 percen-
www.federalwaymirror.com tile points in reading and six points in math. For the district’s high school students, the trend upward occurred mostly in math. Math scores, which are determined by the aforementioned EOC exams, showed a gain of two percentile points for students taking the tests for the first time, while second-year End-of-Course (EOC) exams scores were up nearly six points. Along with the uptick in math scores, science scores on EOCs were also up by
[ MAYOR from page 1]
eight percentile points. The district notes that last year was the first year that science was assessed through EOCs, and believes that may be why the uptick occurred. One of the areas that saw students taking a step backward was in reading and writing scores at the high school level. However, the district notes that FWPS was in line with the statewide trend of slightly lower reading and writing scores for high school students. “We made sweeping changes last year because we believe equity and excellence are more than empty words,” Neu said. “Now, we have more work to do. These results are our new baseline from which we will direct our work. We will continue relentless pursuit of academic success for each child while meeting the needs of the whole child.”
Priest earned a law degree from George Washington University in 1976. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 1986. He still has membership in the Virginia State Bar, which he joined in 1976. Why did Priest earn a law degree and not practice law? Halfway through law school, he had a change of heart. “I decided I didn’t want to be a lawyer,” he said. Priest finished law school anyway, then landed a job as a legislative assistant for Oregon Sen. Bob Packwood. From there, he transitioned into the business world, with careers in finance in New York before owning small businesses in Washington. In 2002, he was elected to the state House of Representatives, where his legal training helped in the process of developing laws. In 2010, he was elected mayor of Federal Way. “Law school was the first step,” Priest said,
State superintendent State Superintendent Randy Dorn said he found the state test results encouraging. Read more online at federalwaymirror.com.
Reach Out Shelter Programs
JOIN US FOR OUR
2nd Annual Breakfast Buffet Fundraiser
Sept. 25, 2012 Tuesday morning from 7:00–8:45 am
Buffet Food Service is available starting at 6:30 am
The Christian Faith Center - 33645 20th Ave. So., Federal Way, WA 98003
Tickets are $25 per person, $200 per table. Register online: ReachOutFederalWay.org
Testimonial Speaker Pamela Bellesen EMCEE
Steve Pool of KOMO 4
Her noteworthy story of how she utilized vital community services to cope and ultimately move towards self sufficiency is sure to inspire.
Pay it Forward Honoree Peggy LaPorte founder of FUSION, provider of transitional housing for homeless families.
Teen honorees
Caleb Dawson and Jordan Crahan will also be recognized.
Author Richard LeMieux will be in
attendance and briefly available for autographs and photos after the event.
Federal Way Kiwanis Club & Foundation
The Rotary Club Of Federal Way Foundation
Jim & Jeanne Burbidge
noting how the degree enhanced his career. “Law training helped me a lot.”
Requirements by the state bar In Washington, admittance to the bar association is mandatory for lawyers who wish to practice law in the state. In some states, such as Illinois, bar association membership is voluntary. According to the state bar, Washington lawyers “are not required to have professional liability insurance coverage. However, they are required to report to the Washington State Bar Association, on a yearly basis, whether they have coverage.” The state bar reports that “failure to comply with the disclosure requirement will result in administrative suspension from practice until the information is disclosed, in the same way that lawyers may be suspended for failure to comply with the continuing legal education reporting requirements, but it is not a disciplinary violation.”
[ MEMORIAL from page 1] officers, citizens and more. The memorial will include a recognition of veterans from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. A groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at South King Fire and Rescue station 64, 3700 S. 320th St. (east of Interstate 5). A free pancake breakfast begins at 9 a.m. The event is open to the public, and all donations will go toward the memorial. The South King Firefighters Foundation is collecting donations and arranging in-kind contributions. The project is expected to cost about $25,000. The memorial awaits final approval from the City of Federal Way before construction begins, likely in the spring, said assistant chief Gordie Olson. The goal is to finish the project by Sept. 11, 2013.
Background • In August 2011, Lt. Scott Mahlen and firefighter Sven Schievink drove 55 hours to New York to bring back a steel beam from the World Trade Center. • To contribute to the memorial, mail tax-deductible donations to South King Firefighters Foundation, 31617 1st Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003.